MHPSS Specialist

1. PEOPLE IN NEED AFGHANISTAN

People in Need (PIN) is a Czech organization established in 1992, currently working in around 40 countries on human rights and humanitarian aid. Globally, PIN is recognized as a leading actor in Education in Emergencies and actively contributes to international coordination mechanisms and humanitarian clusters, including education, food security, nutrition, shelter, and WASH. In Afghanistan, PIN has been operating since 2001, delivering humanitarian and development assistance to communities affected by conflict, economic crisis, and natural disasters. Over the years, PIN has established itself as a trusted and experienced actor, with strong acceptance among local communities, authorities, and stakeholders, enabling access to some of the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations. Throughout its presence in the country, PIN has supported over 850,000 people across multiple regions. The Organization has remained operational through periods of significant political and social change, continuing to provide life-saving and resilience-building assistance to more than 250,000 individuals in recent years. It works in key sectors including food security and livelihoods, education in emergencies, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and protection.

The MHPSS Specialist is accountable for ensuring technical quality of MHPSS programming (implemented directly or through partners) and the integration of MHPSS and EiE activities, and is responsible for supporting capacity development of staff, partner and community structures, and providing technical inputs for proposal development whenever needed.

The role provides overall technical leadership and quality assurance for MHPSS programming within the country programme, directly working with the Project Manager, the Project Coordinators, field team and partner organisations. The role supports the design, implementation, monitoring and continuous improvement of MHPSS interventions.

3. RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical Support, Programme Quality and Program Development

·        Provide overall technical leadership and quality assurance for MHPSS programming (including partner’s activities), ensuring programmes are aligned with international standards, national frameworks and PIN policies.

·        Support the development of MHPSS tools, guidance documents, SOPs and technical resources.

·        Provide training and professional development support to field and partner staff

·        Contribute to establish and maintain safe referral pathways in locations where MHPSS activities are conducted and support monthly service mapping updates.

·        Undertake regular supervision activities, including field visits and review of program data to support programme quality and partner capacity.

·        Support the integration of MHPSS and Education activities.

·        Support assessments, programme design, proposal development and budgeting.

·        Participate in coordination meeting such as MHPSS working group and external coordination with relevant actors.

·        Participate in the and support the MHPSS Assessments. 

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) and Reporting

• Assist in tracking project performance using appropriate tools and techniques.
• Document lessons learned and share knowledge and learning within the CP, Social Inclusion and Protection Department and other relevant stakeholders.
• Support the MEAL department in developing tools for collection of MHPSS data.
• Review programme data and provide recommendations for programme improvement
• Review and provide technical input into internal and donor reports, ensuring accurate analysis of child protection activities, achievements, challenges and lessons learned.

4. PIN COMPETENCY MODEL

PIN Competency Model is a framework used to define, assess, and develop the behaviours, skills, and attitudes expected from staff. It focuses on how people perform their work, not only on their technical knowledge.

The MHPSS Specialist will be recruited, and subsequently evaluated, following the PIN competency areas here below, where the staff is expected to at least meet the expectations as outlined below:

1.      Personal integrity and values:

Demonstrates honesty, accountability, and consistency in actions and communication. Adheres to PIN’s values, policies, and ethical standards, addresses inappropriate conduct, and continuously reflects on and improves personal performance.

Committed to gender equity/equality, inclusion, non-discrimination, and the rights of women, children and persons with disabilities. Show empathy, caring and patience.

2.      Universal competencies

o   Communication: Communicates clearly and effectively, adapting messages to different audiences. Shares information in a timely manner, listens actively, encourages dialogue, and uses evidence to support decisions and recommendations. Be fluent in communicating on issues of protection (mainstreaming), GBV, gender, and in using the required vocabulary.

o   Cooperation: Builds positive and inclusive working relationships, values diverse perspectives, and promotes teamwork. Shares knowledge, supports collaboration, and addresses conflicts constructively.

o   Resilience/coping with stress: Maintains composure and effectiveness under pressure. Manages stress constructively, remains solution-oriented, and adapts well to challenges and changing circumstances.

3.      Specific competencies

o   Problems and tasks solving approach: Analyses issues, identifies root causes, and makes informed decisions. Proactively solves problems, collaborates with others, and seeks practical improvements and innovative solutions.

o   Result Orientation: Takes ownership of objectives, delivers high-quality results, and continuously seeks opportunities to improve performance and outcomes.

·        Bachelor degree from an accredited educational institution in Psychology is required.

·        Master degree or technical studies in Psychology 

Experience

·        At least 5 years of relevant experience working with children, including ,2 years’ experience in the sector and experience in managing MHPSS cases directly, receiving and referring high-level cases is required;

·        At least 2 years’ experience in management and supervising field teams is required.

·        At least 2 years’ experience in coordinating MHPSS activities and reporting to donors is required.

·        Experience in delivering MHPSS capacity building trainings is required.

·        Experience working with children/youth programming, psychosocial support or child protection with an NGO, INGO or UN agency is required.

Technical Skills

·        Strong technical knowledge of MHPSS approaches in humanitarian settings, including the IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings and the MHPSS intervention pyramid.

·        Familiarity with integrating MHPSS considerations into other sectors.

·        Knowledge of ethical and safety principles for MHPSS work, including confidentiality, informed consent (including with children), and do-no-harm principles in sensitive cultural contexts.

·        Working knowledge of referral pathway design and inter-agency/inter-sectoral coordination mechanisms

Languages

·        Excellent written and spoken English required.

·        Fluency in Dari & Pashto required.